Skip to content

Wipes are not for flushing

Renters and homeowners will be responsible for repairs
20200324 The Clog screenshot
The Town of Athabasca has noticed a dramatic increase in the number of wipes being flushed and they would like it to stop. Screenshot courtesy of theclog.ca
ATHABASCA – The Town of Athabasca would like people to stop flushing wet wipes as it’s causing issues for sanitation. 

Mayor Colleen Powell shared a message on Facebook March 19 from public works informing her of the “dramatic increase” in wipes that have to be pulled out of the waste system. 

"We've noticed in the past couple of days a dramatic increase of "wipes" coming into and collecting on our sewage lift station trash racks,” the shared message says. “I know that there really isn't much we can do to slow or stop this problem, but I thought we could post something to our website stating that we see the extra loading and that these items must be placed in the trash. Typically, we clean the racks once per day. I think I will be adjusting our routine operations now to complete this twice daily." 

Powell added that the extra work filters back onto taxpayers. 

“This adds to our cost — and in time yours — please only toilet paper in the toilet. Wipes go in the garbage,” she said. 

The town did post a notice on its website and included a link to theclog.ca that also reminds residents they will be responsible for costs should their sewers back up. At the end of the blog is also a 32-second video showing how quickly toilet paper breaks down versus “flushable” wipes. 

“If that happens (backed up sewer) you could face thousands of dollars in repairs and severe damages to your property,” reads the blog. “Your municipality will not cover the cost of these repairs. Damages to municipal sewer systems caused by improper disposal of garbage may also result in an increase in your taxes and utility bills.” 

Even wipes labeled as flushable do not break down as quickly as toilet paper, so all wipes should be placed in the garbage can.

Heather Stocking, TownandCountryToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @HLSox

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks